The personal side of Gorongosa

Groggily waking up to the sound of bush babies calling to each other from the tree tops can be a bit confusing as a mom. After all, they sound like crying babies screaming from outside our bungalow! (If you've never heard a bush baby call, Google it! It's fascinating!) But it doesn't take long to remember we're in paradise, and soon we're up and ready for the next adventure!

The Gorongosa management has done an amazing job ensuring that the people who live all around the park are greatly benefiting from the tourism and scientific research that the park attracts. By providing clinics, schools, community education and agricultural advancement to the villages that surround the park, it has truly made a great difference in these people's lives!

After a short drive through a fever tree forest we arrive at the Punguay river. A tiny boat greets us on the riverbank and shuttles us across the narrow waterway. There we are met by young boys from the village who introduce themselves to us by pointing at their chests and saying their names. It's clear they speak no English. As we wait for the other groups to be shuttled across the two boys point at Rena's binoculars and motion as if to put them to their eyes. Rena quickly hands them to one of the boys who excitedly gazes through them. They continue to pass the binoculars back and forth to each other giggling after each turn.

Our guide leads us to the outskirts of Vinho where we see a beautiful farm. An agriculture specialist from Gorongosa explains how they are helping these villagers learn more productive and eco friendly farming practices. In turn the farmers produce a higher yield and are even able to sell some of the items creating an income source for the village!

The village school is the next stop. As we walk the mile or so down the road, a crowd of children begins to grow around us. We arrive at the school and are greeted by an additional one hundred or more kids. The four teachers at the school tell us about their lesson plans, school structure, and the typical day of a student.

Our final stop in the village is the medical center. The single employee of the center serves as the administrator, nurse and Doctor to over 4000 people from nearby villages. There is a long line of patients waiting to be seen so we don't stay long. On the way out we get a glimpse of the delivery room where a young woman is preparing to give birth. 

Tia makes plenty of friends on our way back to the boat. She gives them all stickers and teaches them how to peel off the backs put them on their shirts. They quickly extend their hands for more and more!

After a drive down the road we reach the Gorongosa Community Education Center. Here students, teachers and community leaders from all around come to learn about the wildlife and threats facing their park. The staff does an excellent job of making the villagers feel welcome and educating the entire community.

Going to a village restores your hope. You see people taking leadership of their lives. You see what a little bit of help can really mean for them. I must say, I feel very proud that Zoo Boise is such a significant supporter of the Gorongosa restoration project. Not only are we helping to save animals in the wild, we are providing great support to the people who call this area home. What a great day!